The python strangled the 60-pound dog Aug. 30 as the dog's horrified owners watched. The family called 911, but the dog died by the time help arrived.

The snake was then captured and euthanized.

The species of the snake was a northern African python, also known as a rock python. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says rock pythons were first spotted in the area in 2002. The snake population has remained confined to that area, unlike the Burmese pythons that have spread throughout the Everglades.

Capt. Jeff Fobb of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Venom One unit said it's not clear if the snake saw the dog as prey or if the dog provoked the reptile.